Simple clock-drawing method could help detect dementia early

Many experts are recommending the “clock-drawing method” as a quick way to spot early indicators of dementia. The rate of diagnoses in the UK is climbing, primarily attributed to an ageing population.
More and more people are contending with the progressive syndrome, which is characterised by memory loss, language skills, problem-solving faculties among other cognitive abilities, leaving an effect on sufferers and their relatives.

There are no known cures for dementia currently, but the significance of early symptom detection is key as it may provide access to essential support and avenues of treatment. Memory loss is acknowledged as a common early warning. However, uncovering signs of dementia, especially during its initial stages, can be difficult.

Jesus Ramirez-Bermudez, a neuropsychiatrist at Mexico’s National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, praised the clock method’s simplicity on X stating: “Clock drawing. It remains one of the easiest and cheapest ways to identify patients with mental/behavioural disorders who require further neurological and neuropsychological workup.”

The test begins with the person being asked to draw a clock face on a blank piece of paper. This is often done on A4 to allow plenty space for drawing. After this, they need to place numbers and set the hands to a specific time, such as 3.15pm, offering insight into their cognitive status, reports the Mirror.

The UK Dementia Directory has highlighted that the at-home dementia test can be a useful tool in the early detection of the condition. They add that the test should be judged by points, and the person gets one point for the following:

How well the person draws the clock circle
Has the person included all the numbers one-12
Are all the numbers drawn in the correct order on the clock face and in the correct place
Did they draw two hands on the clock
Does the hands on the clock say the correct time you asked them to draw

According to the NHS, when performed correctly, this test “virtually excludes dementia because a wide range of cognitive skills are used”.

The directory recommends that if you observe someone close to you showing signs of memory loss, it’s beneficial to suggest they take this straightforward test before seeking medical advice. Struggling to draw a clock and accurately position the hands could be a sign that further medical examination is required.

If the individual doesn’t achieve full marks on the test, the UK Dementia Directory suggests seeking advice from a GP. Furthermore, the Alzheimer’s Society provides a list of 20 questions which you can see here, designed to identify potential symptoms and help decide whether a visit to the GP is necessary. It’s crucial to consider the duration of the symptoms and their impact on daily life when using this checklist.